The state of Oregon has granted Portland a variance that means the city wouldn’t be required to treat the Bull Run water source for a waterborne parasite.

The Oregon Health Authority decision means Portland won’t have to treat Bull Run water for Cryptosporidium. However, the state also proposed conditions that call for the city to ensure that the watershed remains protected.

“After thoughtfully, thoroughly and objectively examining the science available on the issue and on this particular watershed, we are satisfied that there is not, at this time, a need to treat the Bull Run source water for Cryptosporidium for public health reasons,” said Gail Shibley, the Oregon Office of Environmental Public Health’s administrator.

"Hats off to Commish Leonard & Council," said Portland Mayor Sam Adams in a Tweet shortly after the decision was revealed.

Nonetheless, the state has scheduled a Dec. 14 public hearing to discuss the decision. The hearing takes place between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Portland State Office Building, 800 N.E. Oregon St. in Portland.

The Bull Run watershed provides drinking water for one-quarter of all Oregon residents. The water source is 26 miles east of downtown Portland in the Mount Hood National Forest.